How Long Do Tulips Last?

Tulip bulbs should last for many years - or should they be treated as annuals? My blog post earlier in this week on Tulip Growing Problems prompted some interesting comments, and I want to thank the readers who took the time to share their experiences with these beautiful flowers.

For those who said, "Yes, tulips are annuals and should be treated as such because they don't come back as vigorously as in the first year - " the bulbs that I had which grew into the short, stubby and small flowered tulips were new bulbs planted in November 2011, so it wasn't the fact that those bulbs were old.  In fact, the bulbs I planted three years ago are producing the best tulips this year.  I purchased a bargain package of pastel colored tulips heavily discounted at Wal-Mart about three years ago, planted them, and crossed my fingers.  Now they are tall, vigorous plants and it actually looks as if I need to dig them up this year and separate some of the little bulblets off of the parent bulbs - I have a feeling it's getting rather crowded in there.

Also of note is this statement from the North Dakota Cooperative Extension office: "Tulips will last much longer than two to three years, but they often need to be dug up and spaced every three to five years to maintain their blooming vigor. I would suggest that, this fall, you dig them up and reset them with more spacing and possibly in some new locations."

So why do some people treat tulips as annuals and others expect many years from them? I know that the commenter who posted about the famous Dutch gardens treating the bulbs like annuals is correct.  When my sister worked at Old Westbury Gardens, the famous mansion and gardens on Long Island, the tulips in the Walled Garden were treated as annuals. Ditto for when I worked at Martin Viette Nurseries; the two years I worked there, the Pink Impression bulbs planted by the front gates would be dug up and new bulbs planted for the following season.

Given the bits of information I've gleaned online from the various extension offices, as well as my favorite tulip reference books here in the home office, I think there are multiple answers to the question of how long tulips may be expected to flowers.  Some types, such as the species tulips and in my experience many of the Darwin hybrids, will flower for several years.  However, if you want tulips looking their absolutely best, it's best to treat them like annuals.  That probably explains why the garden center I worked at and the two famous demonstration gardens mentioned do the same thing.  The public expects such places to look spectacular, and they must provide a great show of flowers for the visitors.  So to ensure the best and most beautiful tulip displays, my best guess is that they do replant the bulbs each year.

Here in Virginia, between the critters and the weather, tulips are a tricky operation.  I look forward to them every year and I guess I do need to adjust my expectations to view them as annuals, and if they return for more than one season, count my blessings and be thankful.   Well, I guess this means I just have to order more for next year....! (Someone tell my husband only AFTER I place the order for more bulbs, okay?)

During my research, I found the question and answers on tulip bulbs previously linked to for the North Dakota Extension Office, plus a great reference publication from the Illinois Cooperative Extension Office.  If anyone has any additional Extension links to share, post them in the comments.  

The photos on today's post are from Morguefile, a photo sharing website.   Not my garden. I wish!